Sauber C12


The Sauber C12 was the car with which the Sauber Formula One team made its FIA Formula One World Championship debut in 1993. Its design was led by Leo Ress. Power was provided by a Sauber-branded 3.5-litre V10 built by Ilmor in partnership with Mercedes. The C12 was given the prominence of "Concept by Mercedes-Benz" stickers on the engine cowling due to the two parties' close relationship from their World Sportscar Championship program. Indeed, the engines were re-branded in 1994 to reflect the partnership.

Drivers

was re-united with his former WSC team in preparation for its Grand Prix debut. He already had two seasons of Formula One experience, having made his debut in the 1991 Japanese Grand Prix with Leyton House. JJ Lehto had started 38 Grands Prix between 1989 and 1992. Lehto contributed to a promising start with a 5th-place finish in the South African GP at Kyalami and improved on that with a 4th place classification at Imola, home of the San Marino GP, despite an engine problem.

Finishing record

The C12 had a somewhat mixed record with a total of 12 DNFs due to mechanical failure, including seven engine failures. Driver-related incidents accounted for six more DNFs.
The C12 achieved six points finishes and eight non-scoring finishes from 32 starts.

Constructors' World Championship

The C12 achieved a points total of 12 and 7th place in the Constructors' World Championship standings. It was replaced at the start of the season by the Sauber C13.

Complete Formula One results

YearTeamEngineTyresDrivers12345678910111213141516PointsWCC
Team Sauber Formula 1SauberV10RSABRAEURSMRESPMONCANFRAGBRGERHUNBELITAPORJPNAUS127th
Team Sauber Formula 1SauberV10Karl WendlingerRetRetRetRetRet136RetRet96Ret45Ret15127th
Team Sauber Formula 1SauberV10JJ Lehto5RetRet4RetRet7Ret8RetRet9Ret78Ret127th